On the eve of his mother’s funeral, Aden Brousseau met Victor DePasse for the first time. For years his mother had warned him to stay away from the dark-haired neighbour, but on that particular evening, Aden hadn’t listened. He’d been fascinated with the handsome man since the day he’d overheard his mother and grandfather refer to Victor as a vampire.

Now, twenty years later, Aden once again is in the presence of Victor DePasse. Only this time he’s older and knows exactly what he wants.

After years of visiting his charge in his dreams, Victor suddenly has the man he’s fallen in love with in front of him. Does he defy his orders and make Aden his, or does he obey and give Aden up to his destiny?

Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the STEALING MY HEART anthology by Pride Publishing.

Aden swallowed around his fear. His mom had told him hundreds of times to keep to his side of the fence, but like any nine-year-old, Aden hadn’t listened. He wanted to know why he never saw his mysterious neighbour enjoying the garden during the daytime. He’d seen Victor DePasse wandering around at night from his bedroom window several times.

Aden nodded. He felt the tears burn his eyes as he tried to hold them back. “They’re taking me away in the morning, but I don’t want to go.”

“Who’s taking you away?”

“My uncle and his wife. They said they’re going to sell my grandfather’s house, so I have to go with them.” Aden wiped his eyes. “I don’t like them very much.”

Victor knelt and pulled Aden into his arms. Aden went rigid. He wasn’t used to people hugging him. His mom had been sick for too many years to do more than lay in bed.

Tucked against the man’s chest, Aden felt safe for the first time in years. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes,” Victor answered.

“How come you don’t enjoy your garden during the day? The flowers are so pretty, but you can’t really see them in the dark.”

Victor chuckled. “I’m allergic to the sun.”

Aden’s jaw dropped as he stepped back to look into the man’s black eyes. “I’ve never heard of someone being allergic to the sun.”

“It’s rare, but it happens.”

He felt the strangest urge to soothe the kind man. “I’m sorry,” Aden whispered. He placed his small hands on either side of Victor’s face and kissed his nose. “That’s what grandpa used to do when I felt sad. ‘Course that was before he died.”